Abstract/Summary

To a geologist, the analogies between the geological disposal of radioactive
wastes and the sequestration of CO2 deep underground are obvious. Both aim
to isolate and contain waste products that come principally from the generation
of electricity. Both focus on safety, and both are concerned with similar
technical and non-technical issues. These include modelling fluid movement in
and characterising deep rock formations, evaluating complex
hydrogeochemical interactions, finding suitable sites and addressing
associated public perception issues – particularly in communities where
disposal facilities might be located. You could be forgiven, then, for thinking
that scientists working on these topics communicate regularly, share
experiences and work on common problems.